More Bolt Newflash  04/08/05 All the years in New Mexico and Arizona I wanted a close-up of a rattle snake. By the time I left I was removing scorpians and black widows from my home without flinching, hovered near several coyotes, but somehow never saw a rattler. Well, today hiking in Topanga Canyon, we saw a baby rattler twirling its body round and round the stalk of a desert bush. It was basking in the sun and wasn't scared. We got stupidly close and stayed there, enamored by its markings, movements and tiny rattle.  Damn exciting. And it was a gorgeous day: high in the mountains, the ocean stretched in one direction, LA and Santa Monica in another.  We were there the previous weekend as well: on horseback, galloping. If I wasn't so urban, I'd own a horse.                             03/11/05  The Companion to 20th-Century American Poetry arrived via UPS today.  I wrote the entry on the Beat poets.  It's my first "book" -- though in its pages I share the honor with a couple hundred others!     02/08/05  For starters, we've traveled -- there was our third trip to San Francisco.  Beautiful, diverse, great energy, yummy dim sum.  I think if I wanted to move to a yet another new place, I'd pick Frisco (or leave the country).       Of course, over the holidays, we did our annual four-state trek back east.  It was great to see my family and friends.  And my l'il sis is crazy- smart.  Thanks Natalie and Pops and everyone else for the digs.  My maternal family did our thing and we had the most pleasant, i.e. laid back, secular Christmas to date. Now here's an overdue welcome to James River Browning into the world!  Not surprisingly, that boy is a looker. My son, Theo (aka "Dash" or in this pic "Chairman of the Board") is doing swell.  He does wild dances, reads in two languages, howls with our dog, likes his broccoli, and is addicited to Game Boy.  For better or worse. Final thought for now, I'm about to turn 38.  For my students, that probably seems about right.  But my old-time peeps know what I mean -- how does time devour itself and we find ourselves here?  The good news is I think 38 and whatever happens next is a cool adventure.  01/21/05 I haven't completely forgotten this part of the site.  Updates coming soonish. 11/14 Here is our sign submitted to sorryeverybody.com.  Check out the site -- it's America's apology to the world for Bush's second term.  You can blow up our pic by finding it in the photo album of the site or checking out sorryeverybody.com.                  It reads, "In solidarity with the world and gay Americans.  We won't give up.  A family in Los Angeles." 11/13/04 Loads and loads has happened since I last updated this section.  Our friends Vi and Long had their second baby, a beautiful girl named Omsu.  Jennie and Andrew will have their second baby in the next week or so.  Babies abound; a good thing. On the political front, along with Jennie, Christine, and Miguel, I registered 275 students to vote.  Later folks like Sean Ryan upped the number farther.  Through Rock the Vote we registered 10% of the student body and a substantially larger percent registered on their own. Nation-wide there was the largest youth turnout for the elections in decades (in proportion with a larger turnout over all).  The bad news is that Bush/Cheney are back for another four years. Check the discussion forum to see how I feel about that.   I have a short article about Sherman Alexie that will be published in the print journal Radical Teacher next summer.   Also, both an academic journal and a lit mag have solicited further work from me, so I'd better get busy!  Yosemite pics:        8/24/04  Yes sirree, I can get used to this summer-off concept.  I'm digging it.   After a trip to glorious Yosemite with the fam, Theo and I spent a month in NYC, hanging with my pals, Theo's grandaddy and my l'il sis.  Then I spent a week at Squaw Valley relishing being a writer amongst other writers 24/7. My roomies were the cat's meow. Good parties. And there was some writing that went on too.  The capstone of my summer will be a trip with my mother to San Miguel Allende and Guanajuato, Mexico next week.  Life is good.  (Though the bank account is hurting!)     postscript: San Miguel is gorgeous and Guanajuata is a great art and food city. I recommend the place we stayed in San Miguel called Casa Schuck. Check out the thumbnails including the room where we stayed:                         6/10/04 My poem "Three Poets" will be featured in Apollo's Lyre for the month of July.  Other writing news: I was accepted to attend the Squaw Valley Community of Writer's workshop for a week in August.  Fortunately AICLA is helping to foot the bill.                                                                                                   6/2/04 Memorial Day weekend was all animals all the time.  We journeyed to San Diego and visited Sea World, the Wild Animal Park and the San Diego Zoo.  I think I had more fun than Theo.  Who ever thought I, a New York City kid, would pet dolphins and feed them fish?  Then there was Shamu.  Lots of Shamus.  Apparently every orca whale at Sea World is Shamu.  That's branding for ya.  I dig the Gas Lamp district; groovy little area. 5/07/04  At the suggestion of Jorge Reyna, we checked out a poetry reading at Tropico de Nopal Gallery, a great little art space devoted to cross cultural-artists, located on a cool barrio block with two murals and several community centers.   The show was called "Spine of Califlas."  It featured Adolfo Guzman Lopez from NPR and introduced us to three excellent poets, Miguel-Angel Soria, Ariel Robello, and Jime Salcedo-Malo.  I loved their passionate and intelligent readings.  4/26/04 If I loved baseball as much as Dave, this would be like meeting Derek Jeeter, or hell, Mickey Mantle.  But I love books, so here ya go:            Not one to usually do this kind of thing, I had to get my picture with Sherman Alexie at the Los Angeles Book Festival.  Apparently he has checked out this site. So Sherman, do you think we can compel you to read at the 'tute?    4/04 We had a reunion with some of Dave's cousins at Gladstones.  The kids were very industrious at the beach.                                          3/04 Here is Theo with his siblings.  Our family is getting bigger and better.                           2/21/04 We spent my bday weekend at Catalina Island.  In a freakish turn of events, it rained the whole weekend.  We made our fun where we could.

1/04  Quite the lack of updates, I realize.  Enough people have asked me that I'll try to stay more on the ball.                   In January Theo's adoption was finalized!  It was a great day.  One of Theo's godmothers, Natalie, flew from NYC for the occasion.       That same week, we were all able to visit with his other godmother Andrea who was in Palm Springs for business. So Nat, Dre and I had a UNIS reunion at Joshua Tree.                                                                          During that trip. Nat and I discovered "The Homies," these very kitchy, cool, and subversive minutures.  We became mad collectors right out of the gate and had a great time setting them up in scenes to recall our days hangin' by the stoop.  Then we did all the cheesy LA tourist things with zeal.  Soon after adoption day, we had friends over for a celebration:      1.15.04  Happy (belated) New Year!  The last month primarily involved the ole jaunt through the east coast visiting family and friends:  First D.C., than Philly, Jersey and FINALLY NYC.  Good times.  But I'm glad to be back in LA.  Although I love my hometown, it is 14 degress there today -- and here it is 60! 12.20.03  It has happened.  Although I'm still Julie or The Bolt to you, I am now a "Doctor of Philosophy" of Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies.  A mouthful, I know.  The defense was scary and fun and I passed on the condition of rewrites.  It was suggested I take my time, but instead I "took" my time and wrote and formatted madly for 48 hours.  My adivsor, Dr. Richard Ruiz, was an awesome support, so if you are reading this Doc, thanks a hundred times over.  I finished just in time to be "hooded" in a special ceremony for the Education Department, which kind of adopted me when there were internal problems with the administration of my Cultural Studies program.  That night my husband, son and mom flew to join me in Tucson -- all last minute -- and watched me graduate in my ceremonial attire.  I must admit, it was a blast and felt great.  But nothin' beat seeing my mom and four year old son spontaneously dance to the salsa at yummy La Indita.  Now 24 hours later, we're back in LA, finishing the Quarter up and tomorrow we leave for DC/Philly/NYC/NJ for the holidays.  So have a good one people!  And remember, you only have to call me "Doctor" if you work for the Bush administration! 12.13.03  My, it's been a while since I updated, eh?  Well here is the skinny.  Hopefully I am on the cusp of completing many of the big projects of my life.  This Tuesday and Wednesday I defend my dissertation (called Border Pedagogy for Democratic Practice) in Tucson, Arizona.  After, I may or may not have to do some rewrites before receiving the degree.  Then I return to LA, madly grade a gazillion student finals, then we fly east for the holidays.  Not long after, our family will be official in the eyes of the law, and will be finalized, and that will be a great day. In other news, I will have two stories published in January.  "Willies" will be in Slow Train Literary Journal and "The Offering" in Flash Me Fiction Magazine (not porn folks, but the genre of "flash fiction"... Still it has not escaped me that "Willies" should have been the one published in Flash Me.) You can check them out online in January.  9.9.03 Heard a lovely rumor that juliethebolt.net participant and AICLA grad Claire Droney has a new job as webmistress/store manager/organizer for Code Pink!  She is the only person on the national organizations pay role in LA. Not too long ago The Wads and I were talking about how exciting their work is, and Claire, it's a perfect job for you.  People can check out thier website at www.codepinkalert.org. Congrats, Claire!  You're another example that we can live their beliefs.

9.6.03 My dear old friend Andrea Slattery just became Andrea Slattery McCrakcen.  The affair was an epic wedding in Portmouth, NH, and included a lobster bake rehearsal dinner, the ceremony, a recepetion, a feast, and then, of course, we boogied.  My requests for SHAGGY and FAT JOE were honored.  Here is a picture of the beautiful bride with her groom Craig, as well as a few of their kilt-wearing ring-bearer, Theo.  We also posed with my mom #2, Ilse:                             8.30.03 The fam packed up and roughed it at Big Bear with our YMCA's family camp.  It was all hiking, swimming, mosquitos, campfires and s'mores.  Here I am chillin' at the top of Castle Rock with Joseph, after a steep hike and rock climb.  The fellow with the child on his shoulders defied both gravity and Dr. Spock by scaling treacherous rocks with his infant daughter on his shoulders.  He, however, was stealth as a cat; she as calm as a lamb.  Theo skipped rock climbing, but did lots of this:                                                                            8.24.03 Congrats to Ramon and Vicky on their "official" wedding.  It was a lovely affair.  Sadly none of my pics of them came out too well, but here is one of the bride and groom, as well as snaps with me and the expectant parents Ness and Tammy, and with Josh and Amanda:                                          7.27.03  Somebody, who shall remain nameless, was thrown a "this is not your birthday" party.  Age unknown.  Besides, we were just in the neighborhood and there for the beer.                                                        7. 17.03 Here is a pic from my cousin Katie's visit to LA this past weekend with her man Jay, and the fine Santa Monica establishment, Jerry's Liquor, in the background.               7.15.03  Theo recently took his first flight and met our family and friends in New York and New Jersey.  We had a grand old time hanging out in Washington Square Park, roaming the streets of the Village, and lounging in my dad's New Jersey backyard.  My mom even travelled from her "temporary" home in DC for a quick visit.  Theo loved the Holland Tunnel, but taking him to the top of the Empire State was a mistake.  Three hours of lines!  What were were thinking?  Pictures include my pops, my wee sis Lila, Faridoun (aka Dean), Christian (aka Derek Jeter I), Kate the Great, and Dave.  See more pictures from the trip in my photo album.

6.15.03  Somebody turned four years old! Thanks for the shin dig, everyone!                                                                                      6.10.03  Congrats to our beloved juliethebolt.net regular DPS, also known as David Schreiber, for his new position as director of the Video department at AICLA!  Kudos! 5.19.03 Gigi Bolt, mi madre, just left after a most enjoyable long weekend visit. Highlights included Theo's first pony ride, his first visit to Indian and Mexican restaurants, an encounter with a bunny, and best of all, an earthworm.  It should be noted that the photograph of my mother and I, while perhaps not the most flattering, was taken by wee Theo himself.  Viola:   His very specific instructions included that my mother shut her eyes, that mine stay open, and that the real dog kiss the stuffed dog.  Obviously a budding director, photographic genius, or control freak.                                                           5.10.03  *Mother's Day* picnic in Clover Park with Vi, Long, Zensu, Jenn, Andrew, William, Christine, Richard and best of all THEO!  First mom's day for Vi, Jenn and I.  Good fun. 4.15.03  Introducing Theo...!     4.03.03  Well, my reduced teaching load is fini and it’s back to work full-time.  Was the loss of income and hermit-like subsistence worth it?  Did I procrastinate shamelessly?  Granted, this war gave me ample distraction.  But, in the last three months I completed about two-thirds my dissertation (advisor approval pending).  True, I had visions of the ENTIRE tome materializing beneath my fingertips.  But at least I’m on the other side of the mountain.  The valley is perceivable and looking mighty good. 3.17.03  War cry.  Bush admin says diplomacy is over (you mean it started?).  Issues ultimatium.  3.15.03 A month later and I have emerged from my dissertation cave to another world-wide protest, the Santa Monica branch in non-stop pouring rain.  Props to Schreiber for braving the elements with me and to all our other pals who were there, but far away, in the sea of good will and umbrellas. 2.15.03 Protests around the world.  We attended the SM and LA ones; they were marvelous.  Read about it in the discussion section and see the peace protest photos here .  Left: me with Ron Kovic, the peace activist and Vietnam vet depicted in Oliver Stone's "Born on the Fourth of July."

2.11.03 Today juliethebolt.net was featured in an article in The Legal Times by Jim Johnson.  The article, "Every Man (and Woman) a King in Cyberspace" features four sites and explores how websites are increasingly becoming a new source for publishing and sharing info. For this week only you can see the article at: www.law.com/regionals/dc  My cousin's site is also featured. 2.03.03 Zensu Ly Nguyen is born! The pictures below were taken when she was under a week old.      1.19.03 Great news:                  At 35, my only-child days are finally over.  As of today I have a four-month old baby sister!  Her name is Lila Alexis Bolt.  My dad and his wife Donna brought her home from her foster-parent just this morning.  She is very alert, 16 pounds, and has unusally long eyelashes.  In a few weeks I'll fly home to meet her, and I can hardly wait!                                                1.14.02 Vi's Baby shower:                              1.9.02 Vacation has drawn to a close.  At AICLA a new semester commences, but I will only be teaching one class so as to write my dissertation and eventually become Doctor Bolt (although that will still be Julie or THE Bolt to you).  I'll be back full-time the following quarter. Congrats to Christine Bosworth (left with Jennie) who began her job as Director of General Education on Monday!  She's gonna be great.     12.28.02  For the first time, we are spending the holidays in LA.  It was quite strange to spend Christmas comfortably strolling and swinging by the beach, not all bundled and racing for a cab.  Needless to say, we miss our friends and family, but had fun putting up a tree (first time I did this as an adult!), dining out, hiking, and indulging in a seven-movies-in-seven-days spree.   12.17.02  This week: End of the quarter, graduation, portfolio reviews.  Also: look for the new issue of AICLA's lit mag, Unbound. 12.16.02  Congrats to Ramon and Vicky who tied the knot in Vegas this weekend! 12.15.02  Floyd Red Crow invited me to a Sweat Lodge Ceremony in Malibu.  Floyd points out that prior to Christianity, people around the world held similar beliefs and prayed in similar ways.  Check out the thread on Floyd Red Crow to learn about some of his beliefs.  Thank you, Floyd, for sharing this part of your culture with me.  12.08.02 During our quarterly trip to SPARC (Social Public Art Resource Center), we had a chance meeting with muralist and co-founder Judy Baca.  Although she was busy on a digital project, she stopped and spent a chunk of time talking with our class.  For a project, one student, Yudit, had photographed every inch of the Great Wall of LA -- the longest mural in the world, created by Baca, and taped the photos together to create a long scroll.  She had it with her and Judy Baca watched her unroll it with amazement. It was a great moment.  sparcmurals.org The next day was just as exciting.  Floyd Red Crow came to talk with our American Indian Lit class.  Check out the thread in "Discussion and Debate."  Props to Christine B. for all of her help!      We finally drove across the California coastline, no shortcuts. Look for the description coming soon in the Road Trip section.  Thanks to aunt Hermine and family (below) , and to Thomas and Vero, for the respective feasts and good company! The dim sum was happenin', but not quite as delightful as the homemade Armenian boreg by Hermine or spicy stewed crabs, and tasty pies, by Vero and Thomas.                                                                                            11.26.02  Road trip!  We're off to San Fran to visit family and an old high school chum.  We'll defiinately be hitting Chinatown for dim sum and plan to return via the coast and pass Carmel.    11.13.02  Monday was the premiere of Long Nguyen's latest film, Missing Bandon, starring Edward Asner  and Illeana Douglass.  Long also recently appeared in the TV show John Doe and the film Green Dragon (currently at a Blockbuster near you!).  11.12.02  The Iraqi Parliament has rejected the UN resolutions, although our papers are saying this is theatrics, and Hussein may still accept them come Friday. 11.11.02 Props to my pal Andrea Slattery for her new job as one of the Director of Communications at Morgan Stanley.   11.10.02  After two unsuccessful attempts we finally saw Frida.  I went with fairly low expectations based on the reviews which characterized it as a standard bio-pic. Instead I saw an immensely expressive and vibrant film that succeeded in conveying a lot about a complex woman in complex times. Was David Schreiber at the peace rallies?  If so I hope he shares some thoughts  with us. 11.06.02 Post-elections.  Very grim.  On a happier note, shout outs to another  pregnant UNIS pal, Jocelyn. 11.03.02  Tonight we attended The Office of the Americas annual fundraising event.  OOA honored long-time supporter and board member Martin Sheen for his ongoing activism for global peace, especially in Central America.  He was introduced by Dolores Huerta of the United Farmworker’s Movement.  Both were close colleagues of Cesar Chavez.  Huerta co-founded the Farmworker’s Association and Sheen worked closely  with them both, once taking Chavez’s place “chain-fasting.”  It was great hearing  Dolores Huerta yell, “Viva la raza!  Viva la causa!  Viva la paz!” 11.02.02  Last week we learned that UNIS pal Stephanie is pregnant with twins.  Congratulations, Stephanie! 10.29.02  I recently returned from a trip to NYC and Sweden. In Sweden I reunited with one of my dear old friend Aisha, who I had not seen since I was nineteen! In the past, we have traveled the world together (okay, select parts of it) and her father Carl (who I have seen periodically) is like a dad to me too. Aisha herself was visiting Carl from her current home in Pakistan.  Below is a picture of me, Aisha (second from left), Carl (second from right) and the extended Swedish/Afghani/Pakistani Shonmeyer clan. Aisha's siblings are at each end.             One of the many highlights during my brief stop in NYC was meeting Rose, college pal Randi’s new baby. 08.04.02  On this day the eminently lovable William was born to my pals Jennie Wadsworth and Andrew Browning!                                          More Bolt Newflash